Writer Unleashed
327 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -Writer Unleashed is a weekly podcast for fiction and memoir writers. It's a deep dive into story techniques, writing craft, and the mindsets that help you write with unstoppable momentum and create stories readers can't put down.
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Episodes
#185: Your Opening Scenes: What To Reveal, What to Withhold
April 23, 2024 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBWe can all agree that your opening scenes are your only chance to capture your reader's attention. It's what hooks them into the story. Your first scene and several scenes that follow are your story's setup. The setup is essential to master. You have to be concise, deliberate, and selective with what you reveal and withhold. You don't want to give too much away too soon. Your beginning scenes must accomplish several things simultaneously. And in this episode, I'm boiling it down to 4...
#184: 5 Questions To Help Focus Your Story Idea
April 16, 2024 06:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBOur stories can become so overrun with ideas, they run away from us. Each idea leads to another and another until you’re lost in the vortex. There are stories within stories. Endless possibilities. So many directions the story can go. And then writing your story feels like an insurmountable task. In this episode, I’m giving you 5 questions to explore, so you can rein your ideas in with more clarity, focus, and control. Episode Web Page with Show Notes Not sure where to begin writing? ...
#183: How To Link Your Character's Interior Story To The Plot
April 09, 2024 06:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBMost writers know how their characters need to change. They know what happens on the plot level. They know their character's struggles. Often, though, the main character doesn't seem to change, even though the external events change dramatically. Other stories stay mainly in their character's interior without jumping into the fray of action. Either way, the story can be static. The best stories blend both the inner and outer journey. In this episode, we'll explore 3 approaches to ...
Reprise: 4 Writing Myths Holding You Back
April 02, 2024 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBThere’s no shortage of writing advice. Especially in the online space. Google is not the best gatekeeper. And some FB groups are doling out conflicting advice, canned advice, bad advice. Writers hear the same advice so often, a lot of them have come to regard them as the only way to craft a story. But these are often half baked ideas that are keeping you from moving forward. They’re taking you totally in the wrong direction. They’re myths. Myths about plot and structure. Myths about h...
Reprise: What Readers Really Want From Your Story
March 26, 2024 06:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBWhy do readers read? Is it just for entertainment? To escape everyday life? Or is there a deeper need? What is it about story that keeps us captivated from beginning to end? It helps to understand why stories are so impactful and precisely what readers are hungry for when they turn to a book. In this throwback episode from Season 3, we're going into the mind of your reader, and what they want when they turn to your story. We'll explore what the reader is actually responding to when he...
#182: 5 Ways To Nail Your First Chapter
March 19, 2024 06:00 - 32 minutes - 22.3 MBYour first chapter matters. It's what binds readers to your story. It makes them care. And when they care, they can't help but keep reading. There's a lot riding on your first chapter. So you want to get this right. Bore them with too much exposition, long forays into backstory, too many characters and superfluous details, and your reader will grow bored, overwhelmed, and will stop reading. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 ways to nail your first chapter. We'll cover how to: Resi...
181: Writing Emotions: 3 Ways To Move Readers
March 12, 2024 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBWhen a story moves us, it’s not because of beautiful writing, or a strong voice – it’s not because of a great plot. All these things are important, but those things on their own don’t move us. What makes a story unputdownable and unforgettable is that the reader goes on an emotional journey of his or her own. They don’t just feel for your characters, they feel with your characters. In this episode, I’m sharing 3 techniques to master emotions in your story. So you can move readers in a...
#180: Show, Don't Tell: Your Top Questions Answered
March 05, 2024 07:00 - 22 minutes - 15.5 MBShow, don't tell. How many times have you heard this advice? You may understand the concept, but it's still not sinking in. So, what's the difference between showing and telling? Should show don't tell be applied to every line and paragraph of a story? Are there times when it's better to tell? When do you show? When do you tell? And how do you write it? In this episode, I'm going to tease apart the difference between telling and showing, using examples that integrate both. Episode Web...
#179: Writing Dialogue: 5 Do's and Don'ts
February 27, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBYou want your characters' dialogue to sound natural, like real people talking. But what do you do when the dialogue just sounds mundane, forced, and dull? Writing dialogue requires practice. And there are some ways to think about dialogue to help you write it better. In this episode, learn 5 do's and don'ts of writing stronger, more absorbing dialogue. Episode Website Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private Writer Unleashed...
#178: How To Uncomplicate Your Plot
February 20, 2024 07:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBIf I had to pick one thing that makes readers stop reading, it's the overcomplicated plot. Both novice and experienced writers fall into this trap. They include too many characters, too many events, storylines, and extraneous details that don’t feel connected or integrated. This makes it confusing and frustrating for you as you write and revise. And a slog for your readers to get through. When you overcomplicate your plot, your story lacks internal consistency or logic. It lacks th...
#177: 3 Ways To Deeper, More Fascinating Characters
February 13, 2024 07:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBYou want to bring more depth and complexity to your characters so that readers are interested and invested in what happens to them. But how do you do that? In this episode, I’m sharing 3 ways to create deeper, more fascinating characters. These are often things I see lacking in student manuscripts, especially those more focused on plot. Plot and character really can’t be separated. But before you plot, you need to know who your story is about, and what makes him or her tick. Episode W...
#176: Beyond First and Third Person: 3 Tips For Writing Point Of View
February 06, 2024 07:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBThere's a lot of confusion about the difference between who's telling the story (first or third person), and point of view. I'll see stories with no point of view, a watered down point of view, or a confused and unfocused point of view. Who's narrating your story is not the point of view. They're related. But they're separate elements that serve different purposes. So in this episode, I'm going to tease apart narration from point of view. And then I'll share 3 key points to craft ...
#175: Charting Your Story's Major Plot Points
January 30, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBWhat are plot points? And why do you need them? In this episode, we’ll talk about 3 major plot points, the purpose of each, and where in your story to place them. In this episode, you'll learn: What a plot point is The foundational elements you need before charting your plot points Your 3 Acts and what percentage of your story each act comprises Where each plot point happens in each of your three acts and how they move your story forward Episode Website Not sure where to begin writin...
#174: 3 Essential Elements For Structuring Act One
January 23, 2024 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBEver wonder how to write your First Act? In this episode, learn 3 core elements to structure - and nail- Act One of your story. From your set-up, to your inciting incident, to your first plot point, you'll learn how these elements impact the rest of your story, and where to place each. We'll cover: How long your first act should be How to set up your story so we know who and what your story's about What an inciting incident is, what a plot point is, and their purpose in story The ...
#173: How To Write A Captivating Opening Hook
January 16, 2024 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBHow do you write an opening scene that hooks your reader? An opening so captivating, it compels readers to keep turning the page. A great opening does multiple things to lure readers in. In this episode, we'll focus on crafting an opening hook that keeps them reading. We'll cover: A surefire technique for launching your story Provoking questions readers crave the answer to, and when to reveal the answers How to make an instant emotional connection between character and reader Using ...
#172: How To Stick To Your Writing This Year
January 09, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBNew Year. Fresh start. Maybe you’ve resolved that 2024 is going to be the year you’re going to finish your novel or memoir once and for all. But what so often happens is 50 pages or 200 pages in, the writing gets hard and overwhelming. Writers look at their pages and think it's rubbish. So they abandon the whole project. Or start a new story. Only to start the cycle all over again. So, in this episode, I’m going to give you 4 tips to keep yourself invested in your story for the lon...
Rewind: Writing Inspiration From The Masters
January 02, 2024 07:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBIn this episode, we're going back to a beloved episode from 2022. Writing is solitary. And if you’re anything like me, you like to dip into some inspiration from time to time for a creative boost or deeper insight into the craft. So much of our progress depends on how we feel about the work. So in this episode, I’m pulling from some of my favorite quotes and unwrapping them for the wisdom and creative fuel they offer on writing technique and the writing life. Episode Web Page No...
Rewind: 3 Mindset Shifts To Make Your Writing Dream A Reality
December 26, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBIn one of the most downloaded episodes of 2023, we're tackling the one thing stopping writers from bringing their story to the finish line. Fear. Maybe you fear visibility, and the expectations and judgements you’ll open yourself up to. Then there's fear of rejection. Even if you’re nowhere near ready to submit your story, it prevents you from finishing. Maybe you're afraid of putting your book out there. You just keep wanting to do one read-through after another. It's never good enou...
#171: Scene and Summary: A Guide To Writing Both
December 19, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBWhat is scene? What is summary? In this episode, learn the crucial difference between them. We'll explore the common ways writers get scene and summary wrong. And you'll get guidelines on how to balance both to enhance the pace of your story. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. Love what you're learning from the Writer Unleashed podcast? Pease consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more writers -- just like you -- to write the story th...
#170: 10 Great Gifts For Writers
December 12, 2023 07:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBLooking for original gift ideas for writers? Want to add some to your own holiday wish list? In this episode, I’m sharing 10 gifts ideas perfect for writers. Whether you want to find one or two of these under your Christmas tree, or want to gift your favorite writing buddy, you’re sure to find something special in this episode. You'll find all 10 gifts, along with links to purchase by clicking here on the episode's show notes. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts...
#169: Plot Simplified Into 4 Core Elements
December 05, 2023 07:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBOverthinking your plot with beats and pinch points? Plot doesn't need to be complex or over-thought to capture your reader. In fact, when your plot is too complicated, it's likely to confuse and disengage your reader. In this episode, learn how to simplify your plot using 4 core elements. You'll learn: What plot is, and how it differs from structure 5 common ways plots go off the rails How to translate character desire into a tangible goal What meaningful conflict is and how to let...
#168: 3 Simple Techniques To Turn Good Writing Into Great
November 28, 2023 07:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBHow do you turn good writing into great writing? With stories that engage, thrill, and surprise your reader. That create drama right on the sentence level. How do you keep readers hooked moment by moment? In this episode, I’m giving 3 little known techniques to turn good writing into great writing. These are techniques I learned from my graduate writing teachers - techniques you likely haven't heard of... Until now. This episode will transform the way you write, and will give y...
#167: 3 Powerful Writing Exercises When You Don't Know What To Write
November 21, 2023 07:00 - 20 minutes - 13.8 MBWhat do you do when you want to write, but don't think you have anything to say? Or you do have something to say, but don't know how to say it. In this episode, I'll give you 3 powerful writing exercises to help you find your way into your story. These exercises will help unearth material you can open up and use in your fiction or memoir. Use them to start a story, warm up, or get unstuck. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. Love what you're learning from th...
#166: How To Recharge Your Motivation To Write
November 14, 2023 07:00 - 17 minutes - 11.8 MBHow do you keep writing when you don’t have the motivation to keep going? How do you recapture the excitement you had when you first started? In this episode, you'll get my 3 top strategies for getting your writing back on track with renewed motivation. You'll learn: The natural cycle of creativity Why the struggle is necessary How to take a rest from the work without taking a rest from your commitment to your work What to do when you're paralyzed by self doubt Episode Web Page ...
#165: How To Get The Most Out Of NaNoWriMo (Or Any New Writing Project)
November 07, 2023 07:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBIt’s November, also known as National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo can be a great jumpstart to a writing project, or to make progress on an existing project. It can help instill a regular writing routine, along with community and support. But too often writers will start something in NaNoWriMo and never finish. Because after the initial inspiration fades, they lose momentum and drive. In this episode, I’ll give you some guidelines to get the most out of your work in progress. And if...
#164: How To Give Each Character A Story Purpose
October 31, 2023 06:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBHaving a large cast of characters can overwhelm your readers, especially if the characters are introduced all at once, too many characters crowd a scene, their roles are too similar or just not clear. Readers will struggle to keep track of who’s who, and who they should be paying attention to. This can hinder their engagement with your story. So you want to carefully consider the necessity of each character. Not every character needs the same amount of depth and range. But you want to ma...
#163: 5 Tips For Writing Stronger, More Structured Scenes
October 24, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBHow do you write stronger, more structured scenes that excite you and captivate your reader? Each scene is a microcosm of the whole story. It creates an emotional connection to your reader. But when scenes lack structure and focus, readers don't know what to pay attention to. And they're not much fun for you to write. It's all comes down to framing each scene. In this episode, learn 5 ways to craft stronger, more structured scenes that guide readers seamlessly through your story. ...
#162: 5 Checkpoints For Developing Character And Plot
October 17, 2023 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBHow do you balance character development with the advancement of your plot? How can you develop characters to even execute your plot, unless you first start out with a plot? The answer is, both character and plot are developed in tandem. Every story, whether it's a thriller, a fantasy, realistic, literary, mystery, or science fiction, is in some way about the private inner life of characters. So there's going to be some central, evolving concern, or problem that your character must d...
#161: Looking Back On The Past: A Guide To Writing Retrospective Narrators
October 10, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBWhen we write about what happened, we’re tempted to be bound by what actually occurred. But our memories are not recordings that can be verified. Memory is a construct of the imagination. It’s not reliable. Memory is altered by the life we’ve lived since. By the life your character has lived since. What a character tells from memory is altered by the present. In this episode, you’ll get a guide to writing retrospective narrators. We’ll talk about the two voices to bring to your retrosp...
#160: How To Build Captivating Character Relationships
October 03, 2023 06:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBThe interpersonal dynamics between characters are an essential part of character and plot development. Drama involves people who interact with and influence others, and who ultimately change as a result. In this episode, I’m going to give you 4 ways to think about your characters' relationships so they’re captivating and memorable. You'll also learn how to introduce multiple characters and make minor characters more relevant. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts....
#159: 5 Writing Exercises To Help You Master Dialogue
September 26, 2023 06:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBDialogue is one of the trickiest elements to master. It’s not a complete rendering of the way humans really speak. It’s shaped, concise, sharp, and concentrated. It’s an approximation of real life conversation. We want it to sound real. But without all the boring, tedious, insignificant parts. In this episode, learn 5 writing exercises to help you master dialogue. Download your free worksheet with all 5 dialogue exercises by clicking here. Episode Web Page Rate, Review, & Fol...
#158: A Different Approach To Writing First Drafts
September 19, 2023 06:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBHow do you write first drafts? Do you outline first and then write the story following that outline? What if outlining just isn't your jam? In this episode, you'll learn a different approach to writing first drafts. And it doesn't require starting with an outline. We'll generate material first. Outline second. This method isn't just for first drafts. It works at any stage of the drafting process. Episode Web Page Not sure where to begin writing? Need a way in to your story? Or a way th...
#157: 5 Ways To Earn Money Writing
September 12, 2023 06:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBThere are many ways these days to earn money writing. And if you enjoy tinkering with words, these 5 will help you earn cash while giving you the time freedom to devote to your novel, memoir, or story collection. All while sharpening your skills as a wordsmith. In this episode we'll cover: Copywriting Feature Writing Email Marketing Social Media Writing Contests Episode Webpage Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us in our private W...
#156: 4 Ways To Show Character Emotion
September 05, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBWe want our readers to feel our character’s pain, their joy, and everything in between. But one of the quickest ways to sever the reader’s emotional connection is to be overly direct about how our character feels. In this encore episode of Writer Unleashed, we’ll break down 4 ways to evoke an emotional response in readers. We'll explore The biology of emotion. How to blast through the reader’s intellect to his most primitive emotions. How to avoid emotional cliches. The power of juxtapo...
#155: 5 Common Plot Problems And How To Fix Them
August 29, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this encore episode, we talk about common plot problems that plague first-time novelists, and how to solve or avoid them completely. You'll explore how to: Define the central problem driving your protagonist; Build and intensify the action; Move your plot logically from one event to the next; Up the ante on what's at stake, and; End your story in a way that's emotionally satisfying to your reader. Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. Love what you're learning from the W...
#154: How A Central Image Can Amplify Your Story’s Meaning
August 22, 2023 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBAn image paints a picture for readers, giving them a sensory experience. Some images are just meant to be descriptive. They're not insignificant. Nothing in story is. But they don't carry any particular figurative meaning. Not every image needs to be symbolic. But some images carry more emotional weight. They represent the meaning of your story. They're woven into the fabric of your story, and remind your reader what your story's about. In this episode, we'll talk about how to locat...
#153: How Failure Can Lead To Your Best Writing
August 15, 2023 06:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBYou've just received your 10th agent rejection. Or the story that's so vivid in you mind just isn't translating onto the page. Maybe you're stuck in the murky middle and can't see your way out of it. How do you push through? In this episode, you'll reframe your relationship to failure, glean the lessons from setbacks, and ultimately, write a better story. Episode Website Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts. Love what you're learning from the Writer Unleashed podcast? Pease...
#152: Should You Self Publish Or Go The Traditional Route?
August 08, 2023 06:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBShould you self publish? Or traditionally publish? In this episode, we'll weigh the pros and cons of both. So you can make an informed decision on which publishing path is right for you. We'll cover: What steps to expect as a traditional author How much time it takes to bring a self-published book vs. a traditionally published book Upfront costs self publishers shouldn't ignore Royalties (and why marketing and distribution are key to sales) A side by side comparison of income pot...
#151: How Objects Create Stronger Storytelling
August 01, 2023 06:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBThe mark of a great story is specificity. And to make your writing pop, you want to bring concrete details into the scene. In last week's episode, we talked about setting a scene in a particular place. And each particular place - whether it's a room, a yard, or an alley - will have objects. In this episode, we're going to talk about objects to give your story more muscularity and vividness. We'll explore 3 different types of objects and the various purposes each play in a scene, and in...
#150: How To Build Multi-Dimensional Story Settings
July 25, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIn story, setting is an essential yet often under-used element. Setting allows for the interaction between characters and their environment, weaving together a vivid world. In this episode, I’ll share 4 ways to bring vivid, multi-dimensional settings to your scenes. We’ll explore how setting influences character development and gives the reader an immersive experience. So that the setting doesn’t serve as mere backdrop, but transports readers into the world of your story. Episode Webs...
#149: 5 Essential Elements To Make A Scene
July 18, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBWhat undermines an otherwise compelling story? Poorly written scenes. So, how can you write more captivating, impactful and structured scenes? In this episode, you'll learn 5 essential elements that make a scene, along with an example to illustrate. We'll cover: What a scene is (and what it's not) The difference between scenes and chapters, and why I recommend writing in scenes first Different types of action that give a scene immediacy How setting each scene's intention will cr...
#148: 3 Guidelines For Writing Riveting Dialogue
July 11, 2023 06:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBHow do you write dialogue that doesn’t feel artificial, cliche or dull? How do you use dialogue to create character depth, subtlety and originality? Conversation that’s not over the top dramatic or overly direct, and yet absolutely riveting. In today’s episode, we’ll go over 3 questions to guide you in writing dialogue that has readers hanging on every word. We'll cover: Why using dialogue to advance your plot is the wrong approach Why what's not being said is just as important as wha...
#147: How Uncertainty During The Writing Process Helps You Write Better Stories
July 04, 2023 12:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBParalyzed by uncertainty during the writing process? In this episode, learn why uncertainty is every great writer's secret weapon. You'll learn why uncertainty is vital to the creative process, and how to court, even intensify uncertainty to write your most riveting work. Not sure where to begin writing? Need a way in to your story? Or a way through? Click here to download your FREE 9 Story Starters. Want to join a community of like-minded writers? Need inspiration and support? Join us ...
146: 5 Ways To Fine Tune Character Voice
June 27, 2023 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBHow do you give your characters a distinct, unmistakable voice? What people say and how they say it is a big part of character development. And each character has a unique way of speaking, thinking, and interacting. In this episode, we'll go over 5 ways to bring your characters' voices to life. To make them distinct, magnetic, believable, and memorable. These elements help bring authenticity and depth to your characters by reflecting their cultural backgrounds, age, experiences, and the...
#146: 5 Ways To Fine Tune Character Voice
June 27, 2023 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBHow do you give your characters a distinct, unmistakable voice? What people say and how they say it is a big part of character development. And each character has a unique way of speaking, thinking, and interacting. In this episode, we'll go over 5 ways to bring your characters' voices to life. To make them distinct, magnetic, believable, and memorable. These elements help bring authenticity and depth to your characters by reflecting their cultural backgrounds, age, experiences, and the...
#145: Four Levels To Deeper Character Development
June 20, 2023 06:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBIn this episode, you're going to go beneath the surface of your characters. We'll go 4 levels deep, starting on the surface, and moving a level deeper until we get to your character's truest self. The self he's trying so hard to hide, suppress, and protect. This will bring multi-dimension, complexity, and believability to your characters. Even if your reader doesn't relate to your character's external situation, or their particular plot problems, they will connect in every way to their hum...
#144: Four Ways To Give Your Voice Presence And Purpose
June 13, 2023 06:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBWhat exactly is writer's voice? How do you access yours, and how do you express it on the page? In this episode, I'll give you 4 ways to give your voice more presence and purpose in your stories. We'll talk about: What we mean by writer's voice The difference between character voice and writer's voice Common ways writers struggle with and silence their voice, and 4 tips, along with exercises to help your voice emerge and deepen Episode Website Not sure where to begin writing? Ne...
143: How To Get Better Feedback From Beta Readers
June 06, 2023 06:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBYou’ve just finished the first draft of your novel, memoir or short story, and now you're seeking beta readers. A beta reader is a test reader or a group of test readers of your unpublished work. Ideally, your beta reader gives feedback from the point of view of an average reader. But how do you go about finding them? What should you look for? What should you avoid? And what are some tips to get the most valuable feedback from your test audience? In this episode, I'm answering all you...
#142: Your Summer Writing Playlist
May 30, 2023 06:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBNow that summer's officially here, and with Writer Unleashed reaching it's 3rd year of being on the airwaves, I've done a retrospective of past episodes. And I've curated 7 of the most popular episodes from the past year - everything from how to express character emotion, to how to avoid common plot problems, to story structure, to how to approach your craft like a published author. Think of this as your summer writing playlist. Episode 100: 5 Common Plot Problems You Can Avoid Episo...
#141: Four Guidelines For Writing Dazzling Description
May 23, 2023 06:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBDescription can enrich your story with layers of atmosphere and authenticity that drops the reader inside the world of your story. But sometimes writers assume that in order to create a world for the reader to inhabit, they must pile on loads of details. You may be writing fantasy, or historical fiction, where the setting is unfamiliar or foreign to the reader. So, description is necessary. But how much description is the right amount? When does it become overwhelming to the reader?...